River North Ramen Mainstay Slurping Turtle Is Closing
Ramen lovers in River North are in for some sad news. The popular ramen spot, Slurping Turtle, is closing its doors for good. After years of serving delicious bowls of steaming hot noodles, the restaurant is bidding farewell to its loyal customers.
Slurping Turtle has been a mainstay in River North’s dining scene, serving up a variety of ramen dishes that have been the talk of the town. With its cozy and inviting atmosphere, it’s no wonder why customers keep coming back for more. However, the restaurant’s owners have announced that they will be closing their doors permanently, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable flavors and memories.
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River North Ramen Mainstay Slurping Turtle Is Closing
Slurping Turtle, one of the first ramen spots to open in River North, will soon be closing its doors. After nearly a decade in business, the restaurant’s last day of service will be August 31st, 2020. The news of its closing has come as a surprise to many, especially those who have come to love its authentic Japanese noodle dishes.
1. Slurping Turtle’s Background
Slurping Turtle was opened in Chicago back in 2011. The restaurant was founded by Takashi Yagihashi, a James Beard Award-winning chef, who wanted to bring the flavors of his childhood in Japan to the city. The restaurant quickly gained popularity for its delicious ramen bowls, which were made from scratch using traditional Japanese methods. Slurping Turtle was also known for its small plates, which included dishes like crispy pig ears, fried chicken wings, and edamame.
Over the years, Slurping Turtle expanded to include locations in Ann Arbor and St. Louis. However, the River North location remained the flagship restaurant, and the one that put Slurping Turtle on the map.
2. Slurping Turtle’s Impact on Chicago’s Ramen Scene
When Slurping Turtle first opened in River North, there were only a handful of other ramen spots in the city. However, the restaurant quickly became a favorite among Chicagoans, who praised its authentic flavors and high-quality ingredients. Slurping Turtle helped to popularize ramen in the city, and inspired other chefs and restaurateurs to open their own ramen spots.
Today, there are dozens of ramen restaurants in Chicago, each with its own unique take on the dish. However, Slurping Turtle will always be remembered as one of the pioneers of the city’s ramen scene.
3. Reasons for Slurping Turtle’s Closure
Despite its popularity, Slurping Turtle has struggled in recent years. The rise of delivery apps and the increasing cost of rent in River North have made it harder for the restaurant to stay afloat. The COVID-19 pandemic has only made things worse, as Slurping Turtle has had to close its doors for months at a time.
In a statement, Takashi Yagihashi said that the decision to close Slurping Turtle was a difficult one, but that he was grateful for the support of his customers over the years. He also hinted that he may be working on a new project in the future.
4. Slurping Turtle’s Legacy
Although Slurping Turtle will be closing, its impact on Chicago’s food scene will live on. The restaurant helped to introduce a new cuisine to the city, and inspired a generation of chefs and food lovers. Its legacy can be seen in the dozens of ramen spots that have opened in the city over the years, as well as in the hearts of its loyal customers.
For those who want to say goodbye to Slurping Turtle, the restaurant will be open for dine-in and takeout until August 31st. After that, fans of the restaurant will have to look elsewhere for their ramen fix.
5. Benefits of Slurping Turtle’s Legacy
- Slurping Turtle helped to introduce authentic Japanese ramen to Chicago
- The restaurant inspired a generation of chefs and restaurateurs
- Slurping Turtle helped to put River North on the map as a food destination
6. Vs Other Ramen Restaurants in Chicago
| Slurping Turtle | Other Ramen Restaurants in Chicago |
|---|---|
| Authentic Japanese flavors | Varies depending on the restaurant |
| High-quality ingredients | Varies depending on the restaurant |
| Small plates menu | Varies depending on the restaurant |
While there are many other ramen restaurants in Chicago, Slurping Turtle stood out for its authentic Japanese flavors and high-quality ingredients. The restaurant also had a small plates menu that included unique dishes like crispy pig ears and fried chicken wings. Those who are looking for a similar experience may want to check out other Japanese restaurants in the city, like Ramen-San or Santouka.
7. Slurping Turtle’s Signature Dishes
- Miso Ramen
- Spicy Tan Tan Ramen
- Karaage Chicken
- Crispy Pig Ears
- Edamame
Slurping Turtle was known for its delicious ramen bowls, which were made from scratch using traditional Japanese methods. Some of the most popular dishes included the miso ramen, which was a rich and savory broth made with fermented soybean paste, and the spicy tan tan ramen, which had a kick of heat from chili oil. The restaurant’s small plates were also a fan favorite, especially the crispy pig ears and karaage chicken.
8. Slurping Turtle’s Impact on River North
Slurping Turtle helped to put River North on the map as a food destination. When the restaurant first opened, the neighborhood was mostly known for its nightlife and entertainment options. However, Slurping Turtle and other restaurants like it helped to transform the area into a dining destination. Today, River North is home to some of the city’s best restaurants, including The Purple Pig, RPM Italian, and Sunda.
Slurping Turtle’s closing is a loss for the neighborhood, but it will always be remembered as one of the restaurants that helped to make River North what it is today.
9. Slurping Turtle’s Lasting Impact on Chicago’s Food Scene
Even though Slurping Turtle will be closing, its legacy will live on in the city’s food scene. The restaurant helped to popularize ramen in Chicago, and inspired other chefs and restaurateurs to open their own Japanese restaurants. Its impact can be seen in the dozens of ramen spots that have opened in the city over the years, as well as in the way that Chicagoans think about and appreciate Japanese cuisine.
10. Saying Goodbye to Slurping Turtle
For those who have loved Slurping Turtle over the years, saying goodbye may be difficult. The restaurant has been a fixture in River North for nearly a decade, and has helped to shape the city’s food scene. However, fans of the restaurant can take comfort in the fact that its legacy will live on, and that they can always revisit their favorite dishes at other Japanese restaurants in the city.
As Slurping Turtle prepares to close its doors, Chicagoans can look back on the restaurant with fondness and appreciation. It will always be remembered as one of the restaurants that helped to make the city what it is today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is Slurping Turtle closing its River North location?
Slurping Turtle, a popular ramen restaurant in River North, has announced that it will be closing its doors on December 22, 2019. The decision to close was made by the restaurant’s ownership group after careful consideration of the restaurant’s financial performance.
The restaurant’s owners have thanked their customers and staff for their support over the years and have stated that they are exploring new opportunities for the Slurping Turtle brand.
2. Why is Slurping Turtle closing its River North location?
According to the restaurant’s ownership group, the decision to close the River North location was based on financial considerations. Slurping Turtle has been a mainstay in the Chicago ramen scene for many years, but the increasing cost of doing business in the city has made it difficult for the restaurant to remain profitable.
The owners have expressed their gratitude to their loyal customers and staff and have stated that they are exploring new opportunities for the Slurping Turtle brand.
3. Will Slurping Turtle be opening a new location in Chicago?
At this time, there is no information about whether Slurping Turtle will be opening a new location in Chicago. The restaurant’s ownership group has stated that they are exploring new opportunities for the brand, but they have not provided any specific details about their plans.
Fans of Slurping Turtle will need to stay tuned for further updates about the future of the restaurant.
4. Can customers still visit Slurping Turtle before it closes?
Yes, customers can still visit Slurping Turtle’s River North location until December 22, 2019. The restaurant will continue to serve its popular ramen dishes and other menu items until its last day of operation.
The owners have encouraged their customers to come in and enjoy a meal before the restaurant closes its doors for good.
5. What other ramen restaurants are located in River North?
River North is home to several other popular ramen restaurants, including Ramen-San, High Five Ramen, and Strings Ramen. Each of these restaurants offers its own unique take on the traditional Japanese dish, and they are all worth checking out for ramen lovers in the area.
In addition to these restaurants, there are many other great dining options in River North, ranging from upscale steakhouses to casual gastropubs.
Video: Slurping Turtle chef talks about ramen and its benefits
In a sad turn of events for noodle lovers in Chicago, the beloved River North ramen restaurant, Slurping Turtle, is closing its doors. The announcement was made on their social media channels, leaving fans of the restaurant both shocked and heartbroken. After seven fantastic years of serving up delicious bowls of ramen, Slurping Turtle is set to close on March 29th, 2020.
This news comes as a shock to many who have come to love the authentic Japanese flavors and welcoming atmosphere of Slurping Turtle. From its opening, the restaurant quickly became a mainstay in the River North dining scene, drawing in foodies and locals alike. Their menu was known for its fusion of traditional Japanese ingredients with modern culinary techniques, making it a must-visit destination for anyone craving a hearty bowl of ramen.
Despite the closure, Slurping Turtle will always be remembered as a beloved spot for noodle lovers in Chicago. Their commitment to quality ingredients, attention to detail, and warm hospitality will be missed. For those who have yet to try their famous ramen, now is the time to make a visit and say goodbye to one of the best ramen spots in town.
